Several leaders of Jamaican organizations in Canada have extended congratulations to new Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller.
Sandra Carnegie-Douglas, President of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), the largest and oldest Jamaican community organization in Canada, has lauded the achievements of the Prime Minister.
“It is our sincere wish that she will grow from strength to strength, that she will conquer new grounds and set a path, not only for Jamaica and the Jamaican diaspora, but also for the Caribbean community and for women globally,” she told JIS News.
Mrs. Carnegie-Douglas noted the enormity of the challenges faced by the Prime Minister, but emphasized that Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, who shared Mrs. Simpson Miller’s commitment and passion for Jamaica and its future growth, would rally to her support.
Meanwhile, President of the Jamaican Diaspora-Canada Foundation (JD-CF), Philip Mascoll, noted that under Prime Minister Simpson Miller’s stewardship, Jamaica should move very quickly to become the great country it was destined to be.
“The Prime Minister is a huge personality and a people mover, with massive energy. We in the diaspora must support her and she must know that she only has to ask us to give of our skills and acumen,” he said.
President of Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc., Cherita Girvan-Campbell, expressed admiration for the new Prime Minister’s commitment and dedication to Jamaica.
“This remarkable woman is no stranger to Jamaican Canadians. Her tireless efforts made no mean contribution to the sterling reputation enjoyed by the Jamaican Farm Work Programme. In her 17 years as a Minister of Government, she has held Jamaica’s flag high, nationally as well as internationally. I am confident that as Prime Minister she will carry out her mission with the same zeal that has become her trademark,” she told JIS News.
President of the Canadian Friends of St. Thomas Healthcare Organization, Andrea Wilkie, said her organization stood firmly behind the new Prime Minister and supported her efforts.
“We have no doubt that her vision will guide her into taking Jamaica to newer and higher heights,” Mrs. Wilkie said.
The organization is made up of former residents of St. Thomas who are dedicated to improving the eyesight of the people in the parish.